There was no easy way for backers of the Broadway Commons site to challenge Hamilton County commissioners¹ decision to build a new Reds ballpark on the riverfront. So they found a hard way: creation of a county charter. When voters see Issue 11 on the Nov. 3 ballot, they will see the question: "Shall a County Charter for Hamilton County be adopted?" Issue 11 asks voters to adopt a charter that would prevent Hamilton County from building a new ballpark anywhere but the Broadway Commons site at Broadway and Reading Road.

BROADWAY COMMONS		BASEBALL ON MAIN
Broadway backers, who urge a "yes" vote on Issue 11, say the charter would change nothing in county government except to restrict how commissioners can spend tax dollars to build a new ballpark. Hamilton County Commissioner John Dowlin, the lone Broadway advocate among the commissioners, argues Mr. Seitz and others are using scare tactics. He points to the ballot language itself which says the charter would confer "no greater or lesser powers on behalf of or in favor of Hamilton County" except for the ballpark matter.		Lawyer Bill Seitz, a Green Township trustee, has argued before community groups that the creation of a county charter opens a Pandora's box that could lead to a combined city-county government like the one in Summit County, the only Ohio county with a charter. If Issue 11 passes, Mr. Seitz will challenge the charter in court. The pro-riverfront campaign argues a potentially lengthy court battle will only drag out the already lengthy and contentious stadium debate.

CONTEXT: Two Akron lawyers who advised pro-Broadway Cincinnati City Councilman Todd Portune on the charter idea say they can't be sure that the very creation of a county charter wouldn't change county government - even if that's not the group's intention. The other legal question surrounding the charter is whether it could bind the county and Reds to build at Broadway. That likely would be tested in court, too. The pro-riverfront Move Greater Cincinnati Forward campaign aims to capitalize on uncertainty about the ballot issue.

We want to know what you think. Do you want the stadium at Broadway Commons, Baseball on Main, or somewhere else? Email us at readers@enquirer.com. Deadline is midnight Monday Oct. 19. Access | Aesthetics | Benefits | Charter | Cost | Growth | Parking Reds | Region | Sites | Support | Timing | Main page Broadway illustration | Broadway map | Main depiction | Main map Stadium story list